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Cost Analyst – Supply Chain Optimization

Barry-Wehmiller · Green Bay, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a cost-saving opportunity you found in a supply chain. How did you prove the savings were real?

What they are checking: Whether they can separate true savings from cost shifting or one-time noise, which finance will challenge.

Tell me about a time your analysis turned out to be wrong. What happened next?

What they are checking: Honesty about mistakes and whether they built checks to avoid repeating them.

How do you decide which cost opportunities are worth chasing when you have more ideas than time?

What they are checking: Judgment about prioritizing by size, effort and likelihood of follow-through in the business.

What would you do

Procurement says a supplier change will save money, but operations says it will hurt quality. How do you help settle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can bring total cost of ownership into a cross-functional argument without picking a side early.

Walk me through how you would explain a margin decline on a machine line to a plant leader who is not a finance person.

What they are checking: Whether they can turn analysis into a clear story that drives a decision rather than a pile of numbers.

How would you set up ongoing monitoring so cost creep gets caught early instead of at quarter end?

What they are checking: Whether they think in terms of systems and leading indicators rather than one-time projects.

About the work

BW Converting builds tissue, hygiene and bag-converting machinery. How would you build a cost model for a machine that is mostly engineered to order?

What they are checking: Whether they understand cost structure in low-volume capital equipment, where standard cost methods often break down.

How do you analyze purchase price variance, and what does it tell you and not tell you?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the limits of a common metric and dig into causes rather than report the number.

What tools do you use for this kind of analysis, and how do you handle messy data from an ERP?

What they are checking: Practical skill with Excel, BI tools and ERP exports, including the cleanup that real data always needs.

How would you think about the cost of tariffs or freight changes on components sourced from overseas?

What they are checking: Whether they consider landed cost and external risk, not just the price on the purchase order.

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The full job description

As published by Barry-Wehmiller.

About Us: BW Converting is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries. Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world. Job Description: Position Summary The Cost Analyst – Supply Chain Optimization is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and improving cost structures across the supply chain. This role partners closely with procurement, operations, and finance to identify cost-saving opportunities, enhance margin performance, and support data-driven decision-making. The position requires strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and the ability to translate data into actionable insights. Key Responsibilities Cost Analysis & Reporting • Analyze product cost structures, including raw materials, labor and manufacturing • Develop and maintain costing tools to ensure cost and pricing integrity • Monitor cost performance and identify drivers of cost fluctuations • Prepare regular cost reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for leadership Supply Chain Collaboration • Partner with procurement to evaluate supplier pricing, contracts, and sourcing strategies • Collaborate with operations and manufacturing teams to identify efficiency improvements • Support cross-functional initiatives to reduce total landed cost • Participate in the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process by providing cost insights, scenario analysis, and financial impact assessments Cost Optimization & Continuous Improvement • Identify and quantify cost-saving opportunities across the end-to-end supply chain • Support value engineering and cost reduction initiatives • Analyze make vs. buy decisions and sourcing alternatives • Participate in continuous improvement and lean initiatives Data Management & Tools • Maintain cost databases and ensure data accuracy • Utilize data analytics tools to extract and analyze supply chain cost data • Develop dashboards and automated reporting solutions Qualifications Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Economics, or related field • 3–7+ years of experience in cost analysis, financial analysis, or supply chain finance • Experience in manufacturing or supply chain environments Skills & Competencies • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) • Knowledge of costing methodologies (standard costing, activity-based costing) • Ability to communicate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders • Strong collaboration and cross-functional partnership skills • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement Preferred Qualifications • Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) • Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies • CPA, CMA, or similar certification (a plus) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • Cost reduction and savings achieved • Accuracy of cost forecasts and standard costs • Variance analysis effectiveness • Improvement in supply chain cost efficiency (e.g., reduced total landed cost) • Timeliness and quality of reporting Work Environment • Cross-functional, collaborative environment with significant interaction with supply chain and operations teams • Requires travel (25%) to manufacturing sites or suppliers Why Join Us • Opportunity to directly impact profitability and operational efficiency • Exposure to strategic supply chain decisions • Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional engagement • Career growth in finance, operations, and supply chain strategy #LI-SE2 At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process. ​ Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify. Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments. Company: BW Converting

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